I also have a few of the rudimentary parts to make a vacuum former (old fridge pump to pull a vacuum, purged gas bottle for vacuum reservoir and a vacuum gauge) - The vacuum system could be multipurpose too, it could be used to run a vacuum table for a mill or vacuum bagging to make composites.

I honestly think we would be able to have a good go at a DIY one. As we haven’t done one before, this might be a simpler and more achievable “group build” for a first try than say the furnace. I have quite a few heating elements salvaged from microwaves that would do a good job, and I wonder how compatible the laser plastic is for this.